What Is The Best Marijuana For Pain?
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
Millions of people suffer from chronic pain every day. In the United States, it is estimated that 116 million adults experience some form of pain each month. While there are many prescription medications available to help manage such pain, they can often induce unwanted side effects.
Some people choose to use marijuana as a way to manage their chronic pain, but what is the best type of weed to consume for that purpose?
What is Marijuana and What are its Benefits for Pain Relief?
Marijuana is a term used to describe the dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis sativa plant. The cannabis plant has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing pain, especially chronic pain. Some of the other benefits of marijuana include relief from nausea and vomiting, improved sleep, and improved appetite.
Types of Marijuana and Their Effects on Pain
There are different types of marijuana, and they all have different effects on pain. The three primary types of marijuana are indica, sativa, and hybrid.
Indica is known for its relaxing and calming effects, and it is often used for pain relief. Sativa is known for its energizing effects, and it is often used to treat pain that is caused by inflammation. Hybrid is a mix of both indica and sativa, and it can be used to treat either type of pain.
The best marijuana for pain relief depends on the type of pain that you are experiencing. If you are experiencing chronic pain, indica may be the best option for you. If you are experiencing pain due to inflammation, sativa may be the best choice.
If you are not sure which type of marijuana is best for you, hybrid may be the way to go. Talk to your doctor or a dispensary staff member to find out which type of marijuana is best suited to your specific needs.
How to Use Marijuana for Pain Relief
To use marijuana for pain relief, you will need to inhale the smoke or vapor from the plant. You can also eat or drink marijuana products, but the effects will take longer to kick in and they will be less potent. Start with a small amount and wait 30-60 minutes to see how it affects you before increasing it.
Some people find that smoking or vaping marijuana is the best way to relieve their pain, while others find that ingesting it works better. If you are not sure which method is best for you, start with smoking or vaping and then try ingesting it if you don’t find the former to be effective.
Risks of Using Marijuana for Pain Relief
There are a few risks associated with using marijuana for pain relief. First, marijuana is not legal in all states, so you may be breaking the law if you use it. Second, marijuana may have adverse side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired memory.
Finally, marijuana may interact with other medications you’re taking, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before using it.
Benefits of Using Marijuana for Pain Relief
Marijuana has been shown to be an effective pain reliever compared to other medications. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Marijuana is non-addictive and does not cause withdrawal symptoms.
- Marijuana can be used to relieve a wide variety of pain conditions.
- Marijuana has fewer side effects than other pain medications.
- Marijuana is affordable and easy to access.
Conclusion
Marijuana is a drug that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The cannabis plant contains three primary types of marijuana: indica, sativa and hybrid. Indica is known to be relaxing and calming while sativa can energize the user. Hybrids are a combination of both indica and sativa.
The best type of marijuana for pain relief depends on the type of pain being experienced, with chronic pain being more effectively treated by indica while sativa is better for treating pain caused by inflammation. Speak with a doctor to determine the best type of weed for your pain.
How we reviewed this article:
- Medicinal Cannabis for Treatment of Chronic Pain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574562/
Current Version
March 20, 2022
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
Jake Peter received his journalism degree from Emerson College and has been writing content for the Sanctuary Wellness Institute since 2021. He is passionate about all things cannabis.
